Panel trim and related method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

A panel trim including a cover and a base joined at opposite ends of a flange to form channels on opposite sides of the flange. The channels are adapted to receive panels, with the cover adapted to conceal the gap between the panels. The panel trim can include at least one ramp joined with the base. The panel trim can also include a flex region to enable independent flexing of opposite sides of the cover as panels are inserted into respective channels. The panel trim can be modified to accommodate linearly aligned panels, as well as panels that are at an angle to one another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to panel systems, and more particularly,to panel trim that conceals a gap between adjacent panels.

Panel systems are frequently used to aesthetically or functionallyenhance existing structures, such as walls. Most panel systems includelarge panels that come in a variety of thicknesses, depending on theapplication. To install the panel systems, a user cuts or shapes thepanels to a desired configuration or dimension. Sometimes, the panelscome pre-cut so that the user need not further modify them. The userthen joins the panels, usually one-by-one, with a wall via adhesives orfasteners until the wall is sufficiently covered with the panels to theuser's satisfaction.

Typically, the panels are joined with the wall in a side-by-sideconfiguration so that the edge of one panel is adjacent or abutting theedge of another panel. This configuration usually produces a visible gapor void between the panels. In some applications, this gap isacceptable. In most applications, however, it is not, as it provides avisual break in the wall, and can provide a location between the panelswhere dust and other debris can collect.

Manufacturers of panel systems have accordingly developed a variety oftrim pieces adapted to cover the gap between panels. A simple trim pieceis an “H” shaped construction, where one panel edge fits within one sideof the H, and another panel edge fits within the other side of the H.While this construction conceals the gap, it is usually difficult toattach to a wall, and requires a variety of different dimensioned trimpieces to accommodate panels of varying thickness.

Another conventional trim piece is similar to the H trim piece above,but slightly modified. As shown in FIG. 1, such a trim piece includestwo parts: (a) a base 10 that attaches to the wall, and (b) acomplimentary cover piece 12 including a concave cover 14 and aconnector flange 16 having a toothed section 18. The toothed section 18mates with a receiver 20 in the base 10. The toothed section can beconnected to the base in multiple configurations so that the distancebetween the cover 14 and base 10 varies to accommodate differentthickness panels. While this trim piece can accommodate a variety ofpanels and cover the gap between those panels, it suffers severalshortcomings.

First, the trim piece requires the construction of two separatecomponents, that is, the base and the cover piece. This increases costof manufacture as different molds or extrusion dies are required foreach piece. It also increases labor during installation, as the usermust spend time cutting the two pieces to the same length, andconnecting the two pieces. Second, the construction of the cover piececan make it difficult to join with the base after the panels are joinedin place with the trim. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, after panels101 are installed in a channel of the trim, the cover tends to flex andteeter as the toothed section is inserted into the base. This teeteringcan reduce the dimensions of one or both of the channels. In turn, theuser must exert more force to connect the cover with the base to securethe trim. This can be frustrating, particularly with large bulky panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a panel trim including a cover and a basejoined at opposite ends of a flange. These components form channels onopposite sides of the flange. The channels can be configured so thatpanels nest therein, with the cover covering a gap between the panels.

In one embodiment, the cover can be one piece, with all of thecomponents, for example, the cover, the flange and the base formed as amonolithic structure. Optionally, this structure can be formed usingextrusion techniques.

In another embodiment, the panel trim can include one or more flexregions that enable portions of the cover to flex and/or move relativeto other portions of the cover so that the other portions do notobstruct the positioning of panels within the channels. Generally, theportion on one side of the flange can flex substantially independentlyof a cover portion on the opposite side of the flange with the flexregion. Optionally, the flange can include a portion of a flex region tofacilitate the desired amount of flex.

In another embodiment, the flex regions can be grooves, recesses, slots,apertures or material voids defined by the cover and/or flange thatenable a portion of the cover, for example, that portion extendingbeyond the flange, to flex upwardly and away from the base withoutcausing another portion of the flange, for example, the part on theopposite side of the flange, to bend toward the base on the oppositeside of the flange.

In yet another embodiment, the flex regions can be produced byco-molding or co-extruding different materials at the flex regions sothat these regions are more flexible than other regions of the coverand/or flange. The term “co” is used to refer to the combination of twoor more different materials with different durometer values, and is notintended to limit the scope of the invention to just two differentmaterials. For example, the term “co” may refer to the combination ofthree materials with different durometer values.

In a further embodiment, the base of the panel trim can include one ormore ramps that increase in height as they approach the flange.Optionally, the ramps can include a ramp base (where the ramp begins),which is positioned at a location that is under or concealed by thecover.

In yet a further embodiment, each ramp can be reinforced with a supportrib extending along a portion of the width of each ramp. The support ribcan be utilized when it is desirable to have a hollowed, yetstructurally reinforced, ramp so that panels engaging the ramp do notdeform the ramp. Optionally, the support rib can extend from theunderside of the ramp to a location that is substantially coplanar withanother portion of the base that engages a surface against which thetrim is positioned.

In another, further embodiment, a method of making the panel trim isprovided, the method including: forming panel trim including a base anda cover connected by a flange; forming a panel accepting channel betweenthe cover and the base; and forming flex regions in at least one of thecover and the flange. Optionally, the method includes forming a ramp inthe base, the ramp being generally hollow, except for a structuralsupport rib on its underside. Further optionally, the panel trim isformed by extruding or molding techniques.

The panel trim of the present invention provides a simple and efficientconstruction that is easy to install and accommodates differentthickness panels. Where the trim includes a cover having one or moreflex regions, this enables portions of the cover to flex independentlyof other portions, and enables a user to insert a first panel within thechannel on one side without tilting the cover about the flange therebydiminishing the channel dimensions on the opposite side of the flange.Accordingly, a user can easily insert a second panel in the otherchannel. The flex regions also facilitate insertion of a single panelwithin the channel of the trim, as their flexure minimizes the amount offorce needed to insert the panel within the channel. Further, afterinsertion of a panel in the channel, the flex regions can urge the coverinto engagement with the panel, providing a cleaner seal between thetrim and the panel. Where the panel trim includes a ramp, it canaccommodate a variety of different thickness panels. Upon insertion ofthinner panels in to the channel having a ramp, the ramp “lifts” thepanel into engagement with the cover so that the interface between thecover and the panel is tight and clean. Where the panel trim includes ahollow ramp, the underside of the ramp can include a reinforcing rib.With the ramp being hollow and supported by a reinforcing rib, ratherthan being of a solid, filled configuration, the panel trim can beefficiently manufactured using extrusion techniques.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbe more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the descriptionof the current embodiment and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is another sectional view of the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a trim in accordance with an embodiment ofthe current invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the trim installed withcorresponding panels;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the trim as a first panel is initiallyinserted;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the trim as the first panel continues tobe inserted to its fully inserted position;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the trim as a second panel is initiallyinserted;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the trim as the second panel continues tobe inserted to its fully inserted position;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of the flexregions of the trim;

FIG. 10A is a sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of theflex regions of the trim;

FIG. 10B is a sectional view of a third alternative embodiment of theflex regions of the trim;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a fourth alternative embodiment of theflex regions of the trim;

FIGS. 12A is a sectional view of an end cap embodiment of the trim.

FIGS. 12B is a sectional view of an inside corner embodiment of thetrim.

FIGS. 12C is a sectional view of an outside corner assembly showing bothan outside corner embodiment of the trim and an end cap embodiment ofthe trim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT I. Overview andDefinitions

A current embodiment of the panel trim of the present invention is shownin FIGS. 3-8 and generally designated 25. The trim 25 can be used tocapture the ends of adjacent panels 200, 210, and conceal the gap 213between them (FIG. 8). In general, the trim 25 can include a cover 30, abase 40, a flange 52, and one or more flex regions 70. The cover, flangeand base cooperate to define generally opposing channels 66 and 68. Theflex region 70 allows for independent flexing or movement of the cover30 to facilitate insertion of a first panel 200 into the first channel66 (FIGS. 5-6), while maintaining the size of the second channel 68 sothat a second panel 210 can be easily inserted into the second channel68 (FIGS. 7-8).

The following terms will have the definitions presented. As used herein,“panel” refers to any material that forms a surface, including but notlimited to composite, plastic (natural or fiber), or wood sheets, rolls,webs, boards, or other construction materials. These materials may beconfigured to enhance that existing structure aesthetically orfunctionally.

As used herein, “wall” refers to any surface to which trim or panel maybe joined including, but not limited to, surfaces constructed fromdrywall, composites, plastics, wood, fiber, concrete, brick, or othermaterial.

II. Components

Referring to FIGS. 3-8, the components of the trim 25 will now bedescribed in detail. The cover 30 generally includes a first coverportion 32 and a second cover portion 34 extending laterally from theflange. Each cover portion can include a top surface 33 and 37 and abottom surface 31 and 35. The cover portions can each include respectivefree flange ends 36 and 38 at the outermost ends of the cover. The topand bottom surfaces of the cover may generally be substantiallycoplanar. However, there may be configurations in which the two surfacesare at an angle relative to each other. Optionally, the angle betweenthe top and bottom surfaces may vary when moving from one free flangeend to the other. Further optionally, the top and bottom surfaces of thecover can be in a variety of geometric configurations including but notlimited to flat, flat with the edges of the cover angled down, convex,and concave, if desired.

The trim can also include a base 40, which can include guides 42 and 44,ramps 46 and 48, and a central region of the base 50. The guides 42 and44 can be configured so that when the trim is attached to a wall, theyare generally parallel to the wall. Alternatively or additionally, theguides can be generally parallel to the panels, but adopted to flex orchange configuration during the insertion of the panels (FIGS. 5-8). Asshown, the guides can extend beyond the free flange ends 36 and 38, sothat before installation of the panels, the two guides are visible to aviewer. Immediately adjacent the guides 42 and 44, the base cantransition to the ramps 46 and 48. These ramps can increase in height asthey approach the flange 52, and can include opposing surfaces, namely apanel engaging ramp upper surface 45 and 49 and a lower ramp surface 47and 51.

The upper ramp surface can be at a predetermined angle α or β to theguide 42 or 44. The lower ramp surface can be substantially parallelwith the upper surface. The ramp angles α and β can be selected toprevent binding of a panel as it engages a ramp 46, while still movingthe panel upward, toward the cover 30 to provide a tight, aestheticallypleasing seal between the cover 30 and upper surface of the panel. Theramp angles α or β can vary from about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees,optionally about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees, and optionally about 14degrees.

The ramps can further define recesses or voids. Where there is a recess53, 55 defined adjacent the bottom ramp surface 47 and 51, the ramps canbe structurally reinforced with structural support 72 and 74. Thesesupports can be located on the lower surface 47 and 51 of the ramp toprevent or limit the deformation of the ramp 46 and 48 during insertionof the panels. The structural support can extend from the lower rampsurface to a location substantially coplanar with the guides 42 and 44and/or the wall 150. Accordingly, the supports 72 and 74 can contact thewall on which the panels are mounted and provide further structuralsupport for the ramps 46 and 48, thereby preventing the ramps frombuckling when an inserted panel exerts force on it. The structuralsupports 72 and 74 can be located at the midpoint of the lower surfaceof the ramps 46 and 48, but may be placed at virtually any locationalong the lower surface of the ramps. Alternatively, the ramps 46 and 48can be solid or hollow structures, with material extending from theupper ramp surface down to a plane generally coplanar with the guides 42and 44, and then the wall 150, having no voids therebetween. In the caseof such a solid or hollow ramp, there may be no need for the structuralsupports 72 and 74 because the ramp itself can be strong enough toprevent deformation during insertion of the panels.

The central region of the base 50 can generally include a lateral member57 that can be substantially coplanar with the wall 150. The centralregion of the base 50 can also generally include vertical members 59 and61 that connect the ramps 46 and 48 to the lateral member 57. Thevertical members 59 and 61 can be substantially perpendicular to thelateral member 57.

The trim 25 can further include a flange 52 extending from the base 40.This flange 52 can be generally substantially perpendicular to the cover30 and/or the base 40, as desired, or at other selected angles as theapplication requires. The flange 52 can include a first flange end 54joined with the cover 30 and a second flange end 56 joined with thecentral region of the base 50. Alternatively, the second flange end 56can be offset from the central region as desired. The flange can alsoinclude opposing first and second flange sides 58 and 60 that define theinnermost portions of channels 66 and 68. The flange sides 58 and 60 canbe adjacent to the flex region 70 as desired. Indeed, the sides 58 and60 can terminate at or near, or transition to the flex regions 70 asdesired.

As shown in FIGS. 3-8, the first free flange end 36 can be positioned afirst distance 62 from the guide 42 of the base 40, and the second freeflange end 38 can be positioned a second distance 64 from the guide 44.The first and second distances 62 and 64 can be sized to accommodate thepanels the user has selected to join. Generally, the first and seconddistances 62 and 64 can be selected to accommodate a variety of panelshaving a range of thicknesses. For example, a certain trim 25 can beconfigured so that it accommodates ⅜ inch thick panels to ⅝ inch panels,while still providing a tight seal between the panel and the cover. Income cases, multiple different trims having different distances 62 and64 can be manufactured to accommodate a variety of different panels. Thecover 30, flange 52, and base 40 can cooperatively define the firstchannel 66, second channel 68 into which the edges of the trim panel200, 210 are inserted, for example, by an installer, installation jig,fixture or device.

Turning to FIG. 3, the trim 25 can include one or more flex regions orpoints 70. These flex regions can be defined and positioned to enable acover portion on one side of the trim to flex independently of the coverportion on the opposite side of the trim. This flexing facilitatesinsertion of a first panel 200 in channel 66 without substantiallychanging the dimensions of a channel 68 on the opposite side of thetrim. As an example, referring to FIGS. 5-7 the cover portion 32adjacent the channel 66 flexes substantially independently from thesecond cover portion 34 as a panel 200 is inserted into the channel 66.In turn, the second channel 68 substantially retains its dimensions orremains substantially unchanged as that insertion is performed. Thus,the distance 64 between the cover free end 38 and the guide 44 remainsgenerally unaltered despite the cover free end 36 moving relative to thebase 40, thereby increasing the distance 62 (FIG. 3) between the coverfree end 36 and the base 40.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an individual flex region 70 can be avoid 100 defined at least in part by the cover 30 on the lower surface31 of the cover portion 32. This void can be in the form of a groove, arecess, aperture, or a hole, and can be located adjacent the flange 52.In some applications, the void can be at least partially defined by theupper flange end 54. As shown, the void can be of virtually anygeometric shape, for example partially circular, rectangular,triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like. The void can be acontinuous feature defined along the length of the trim, or the void canbe intermittently defined along a section of the trim as desired. Ofcourse, different void constructions, continuous and intermittent, canbe combined in one trim. The void 100 itself can include sharp orradiused edges, which transition to the cover 30 and/or a flange 52.Generally the void 100 can be offset from, or not defined substantiallyby, the flange so that the flange retains tensile strength to keep thecover 30 attached to the flange 52 as the panels 200, 210 strain theseelements upon insertion. Alternative embodiments of the flex region 70are described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the leading edges 76 and 78 of the upper surfaces ofthe ramps 46 and 48 can be located laterally inward from the free flangeends 36 and 38 to facilitate the entry of the trim panel into thechannel 66 or 68. This configuration can ensure that the edge of thepanel is adequately captured under the respective cover portion beforethe respective ramp begins to elevate the panel toward the cover. Thiscan facilitate insertion of a panel into a channel for the user, and caneliminate the need to manually raise or pry the cover portions 32 or 34during insertion of the panel. Although the flex regions 70 are shown asbeing adjacent the flange 52, they may be distanced from the flange asdesired to provide the desired independent flexibility.

III. Method of Manufacture and Use

The trim 25 of the present invention can be made from a variety ofmaterials using a variety of techniques. For example, the trim and itscomponents can be constructed from plastics, composites, metals, fibers,natural materials or combinations thereof, depending on the application.When finished, the trim and its components can form a single,monolithic, unitary structure having a substantially uniform thicknessthroughout as desired. Construction can be achieved using an extrusionprocess, where material is passed through an extruder to form a linear,one-piece, monolithic panel trim including a base 40 having a ramp 46, aflange 52 joined with the base, and a cover 30 joined with the flange sothat the cover and base cooperate to form opposing first and secondchannels 66 and 68 on opposite sides of the flange. In this extrusionprocess, the flex region can be formed as described in connection withthe embodiments herein. With the trim extruded, it may be cut to desiredlengths, trimmed and packaged for shipment. Where the trim 25 includes agenerally hollow ramp with a support structure, this configuration canbe conducive to such extrusion processes, as it produces a trim havingcomponents of a substantially uniform thickness. Optionally, the trimcan be manufactured using other methods, such as injection molding,machining, and the like.

After being manufactured, the trim can be used by an end user. Ingeneral, a user can use the trim 25 to conceal the gap 213 betweenadjacent panels in the following manner. The user can place the base 40adjacent a wall 150 and join the base with the wall 150, using fastenerssuch as glue, screws, or nails. As shown in FIG. 5, the user can thenplace a panel 200 adjacent a channel 66, with the panel resting on ornear the base 40. The user can slide the panel 200 inward along theupper surface of the guide 42 until the leading edge of the panel 202contacts the leading edge of the ramp 76. As the panel 200 is furtherinserted into the channel 66, the leading edge 202 moves up the ramp 46.At is does so, it engages the cover portion 32, which can flex slightlyupward, as shown in FIG. 6. The precise amount of flex can depend on thethickness of the panel 204, and/or the material from which the panel isconstructed. As described above, the flex region 70 facilitates flex inthe cover portion 32, while preserving substantially the same distance64 between the free flange end 38 and the guide 44 of the oppositechannel 68. The user can continue to slide the panel up the ramp 46until the front surface of the panel is sealed appropriately against thecover portion 32, or until the panel can be inserted no further.

After the first panel 200 is inserted, the user can follow the sameprocedure for the second panel 210, in the opposite channel 68. Due tothe cover portion 34 maintaining its original distance 64 and thechannel retaining its original dimensions, the panel 210 is readily andeasily inserted within the channel 68.

IV. Alternative Embodiments

A first alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 9. There, the componentsof the trim are generally the same as the embodiment described above,except for the flex regions 170. The flex regions 170 of this embodimentcan be voids defined in the upper surface 33 and 37 of the cover 30.Optionally, these voids can be used in combination with any flex regionsof any other embodiments described herein. The voids 170 can be locatedadjacent a line drawn along the first and second flange sides 58 and 60through the cover 30. Placing the voids in these locations can enablethe user to achieve the desired amount of flex, either in conjunctionwith other flex regions described herein, or as the only means forachieving flexibility in the cover portions 32 and 34. Furtheralternatively, if desired, a single void can be defined immediatelyabove or even slightly offset from the flange 52, although the voids canbe defined virtually anywhere on the upper surface of the cover.

In a second alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the trim 25′ mayinclude flex regions 70′ that have regions of material 270′ and/or 272′included in the lower and/or upper surfaces of the cover 30′. Thesematerials can be of a lower durometer than the remainder of the cover30′ or trim 25′ altogether. For example, the flex regions 270′ and 272′can have a durometer selected from within the range of 20 Shore A to 60Shore D (and beyond), while the remainder of the trim can be selected tohave a higher durometer within the range of 20 Shore A to 90 Shore D(and beyond). The lower durometer material of the flex region canfacilitate flexing of the cover portions 32′ and 34′ independent fromone another as described in the above embodiments. This varyingdurometer trim 25′ can be manufactured via a co-extrusion process, inwhich two or more materials are fed into an extrusion die, with theresultant extruded part including the two or more materials joinedtogether, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10A. Alternatively, theembodiment may be manufactured using a two-shot (or multi-shot)injection molding process.

In a third alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, the flex region 70″can include regions of material 272″ joining the cover portions 32″ and34″ to the flange 52″. This material 272″ can be of a lower durometerthan the remainder of the cover 30″ or trim 25 altogether. For example,the flex region 272″ can have a durometer selected from within the rangeof 20 Shore A to 60 Shore D (and beyond), while the remainder of thetrim can be selected to have a higher durometer within the range of 20Shore A to 90 Shore D (and beyond). The lower durometer material of theflex region can facilitate flexing of the cover portions 32″ and 34″independent from one another as described in the above embodiments. Aswith the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the trim 25″ can be manufactured via aco-extrusion process or a multi-shot injection molding process.

In a fourth alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the flex regions ofthe trim 25 can be provided by a plurality of voids 370, 470 extendingthrough the cover 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the voids arearranged in two rows 370, 470 defined through the cover adjacent to andon opposite sides of the flange. Optionally, the voids in the cover 30may be filled with a material of lower durometer than the remainder ofthe part. The voids of this embodiment can be of virtually any geometricshape, including a circle, a rectangle, a triangle, or some otherdecorative configuration as desired.

A variety of additional alternative embodiments are shown in FIGS.12A-12C. In these embodiments, the trim is configured for a number ofpurposes other than joining two aligned panels. For example, the trimcan be manufactured to conceal the end of a single panel, to fit in oroutside a corner, or other location, and conceal a gap between panelsthat are at transverse angles to one another. In each of theseembodiments, the components are generally the same as the embodimentfirst described above with several exceptions as noted below. FIG. 12Ashows an end cap trim 325′ intended primarily to be fitted onto the endof a panel. As with other embodiments, the end cap trim 325′ includes abase 340′ with a ramp 345′ and a flex joint 370′ that permits the cover332′ to flex in use. FIG. 12B shows an inside corner trim intendedprimarily to cover an inside corner where two panels come together at anangle relative to one another. This particular embodiment is for aninety-degree angle, but the trim could be modified for essentially anyangle. As shown, the trim 325″ generally includes a cover 330″, a base340″ and a flange 352″. The cover portions 332″ and 334″ will generallybe at an angle relative to one another to accommodate the angle of thepanels. The flex region 370″ may include voids 400″ that give the coverportions 332″ and 334″ essentially independent flexibility throughouttheir normal range of motion. As with other embodiments, the base 340″may include a ramp 345″ and a reinforcing ribs 372″ extending downwardto engage different walls to provide support to the ramp 345″. The ribs372″ can extend downward to a location that is substantiallynon-coplanar with the central portion of the base 340″. The trim 325″ ofthis embodiment includes only one channel for receiving only one of thetwo panels. The edge of the other panel is concealed by the coverportion 334″, but is not contained in a channel. Alternatively, theinside corner trim could include two channels-one for each panel. FIG.12C shows one embodiment of an outside corner assembly 300′″. In thisembodiment, the outside corner assembly 300′″ generally includes an endcap trim 325′ and an outside corner trim 325′″. The end cap trim 325′covers the edge of one panel and the outside corner trim 325′″ coversthe edge of the other panel. The two trim components are broughttogether to form the completed assembly. The two trim components may beintersecured, for example, with cement or other adhesives. The end captrim 325′ is essentially identical to the end cap trim 325′ of FIG. 12Adiscussed above and therefore will not be described in detail here. Ascan be seen in FIG. 12C, the outside corner trim 325′″ is largelyidentical to the end cap trim 325′, except that it includes anadditional flange 344″ intended primarily to abut the wall on which thepanels are being mounted. The outside corner trim 325′″ generallyincludes a cover 330′″, a base 340′″ and a flange 352′″. The base 340′″may include a ramp 345′″ and a rib 372′″ as described in connection withprevious embodiments. The cover 330′″ includes a flex point 370′″ toprovide the cover portion 332′″ of the cover 330′″ with independentflexibility. In this embodiment, the wall flange 344′″ is an extensionof flange 352′″ and it extends a sufficient distance to provideacceptable engagement with the wall. Although the outside cornerassembly includes two separate trim elements, the outside cornerassembly may be integrated into a single trim component that receivesthe edges of two different panels. This integrated alternativeembodiment may complicate assembly in some applications.

The above description is that of the current embodiments of theinvention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in theappended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with theprinciples of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limitingthe element to the singular.

1. A panel trim adapted for placement between adjacent first and secondpanels, the panel trim comprising: a base including a ramp; a flangejoined with the base; a cover joined with the flange, the coverincluding a first cover portion and a second cover portion, the firstcover portion and the base, and the second cover portion and the base,forming first and second channels on opposite sides of the flange,respectively, the cover including at least one flex region adjacent theflange so that the first cover portion flexes independently from thesecond cover portion without substantially altering the second channel,wherein the ramp extends upwardly toward the first cover portion,increasing in height as the ramp nears the flange.
 2. The panel trim ofclaim 1 wherein the flex region is at least one of a groove, a recess,and a void defined by the cover adjacent the flange.
 3. The panel trimof claim 1 wherein the cover is constructed from a first material havinga first durometer, wherein the flex region is constructed from a secondmaterial having a second durometer that is less than the firstdurometer.
 4. The panel trim of claim 1 wherein the ramp is raised at anangle between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees relative to the base.5. The panel trim of claim 1 wherein the ramp is located inward from theouter end of the cover portion so that the cover portion completelyconceals the ramp from a viewer viewing along a line substantiallyparallel to the flange.
 6. The panel trim of claim 1 wherein the rampincludes a panel engaging upper surface, a bottom surface opposite theupper surface, and a recess defined adjacent the bottom surface, whereina structural support element is joined with the bottom surface of theramp, the structural support extending downward from the bottom surfacea distance so that the structural support element simultaneously engagesa wall, to which the trim is joined, with the base.
 7. A panel trimadapted for placement between first and second panels, the panel trimcomprising: a base including a central region and opposing ends; aflange including a first flange end and a second flange end distal fromthe first flange end, the first flange end joined with the cover at thecentral region and extending substantially perpendicularly to the base,the flange including opposing first and second flange sides; a coverjoined with the second flange end so that the cover, flange and baseform opposing first and second channels, with the first channel adaptedto receive the first panel and the second channel adapted to receive thesecond panel, the cover including a first cover portion extending fromthe flange on the first flange side, the first cover portion terminatingat a free first flange end positioned a first distance from the base,the cover including a second cover portion extending from the flange onthe second flange side, the second cover portion terminating at a freesecond flange end positioned a second distance from the base; and a flexregion defined at least partially by the cover, the flex region beingadjacent the flange and the first cover portion, the flex regionenabling the first cover region to flex relative to the flange, andrelative to and independently from the second cover portion, wherein thefirst panel is insertable by a user into the first channel withoutsubstantially moving the second cover portion so that the seconddistance remains substantially unchanged when the first panel isinserted into the first channel, whereby the second channel remains openand sized to receive the second panel, wherein the base includes atleast one ramp positioned within the first channel, the ramp including aramp base, the ramp base being located inward from the free first flangeend, the ramp adapted to urge the first panel toward the first flangeportion as a user inserts the first panel deeper into the first channel,wherein the base, cover and flange are integrally formed into a onepiece panel trim, whereby the cover covers ends of the first and secondpanels when those ends are adjacent one another, thereby concealing agap between the first and second panels.
 8. The panel trim of claim 7wherein the flex region includes at least one of a groove, a recess, anda void defined by the cover adjacent the flange.
 9. The panel trim ofclaim 7 wherein the cover is constructed from a first material having afirst durometer, wherein the flex region is constructed from a secondmaterial having a second durometer that is less than the firstdurometer.
 10. The panel trim of claim 7 wherein the ramp is raised atan angle between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees relative to thebase.
 11. The panel trim of claim 7 wherein the ramp includes a panelengaging upper surface, a bottom surface opposite the upper surface, anda recess defined adjacent the bottom surface, wherein a structuralsupport element is joined with the bottom surface of the ramp, thestructural support extending downward from the bottom surface a distanceso that the structural support element simultaneously engages a wall, towhich the trim is joined, with the base.
 12. The panel trim of claim 7wherein the central region of the base includes a member substantiallyparallel to the flange and a member substantially perpendicular to theflange.
 13. The panel trim of claim 7 wherein the upper and lowersurfaces of the cover are substantially parallel, wherein the upper andlower surfaces substantially define a portion of a curve.
 14. A paneltrim adapted for placement between adjacent first and second panels, thepanel trim comprising: a base including a ramp; a flange joined with thebase, the ramp increasing in height as it nears the flange; a coverjoined with the flange so that the cover and base cooperate to formopposing first and second channels on opposite sides of the flange, thesecond channel having first dimensions, at least one of the cover andthe flange including a defined flex region so that a portion of thecover adjacent the first channel flexes independently from the secondcover portion, wherein the second channel retains the first dimensionsas a first panel is inserted by a user into the first channel.
 15. Thepanel trim of claim 14 wherein the flex region includes at least one ofa groove, a recess, and a void defined by the cover adjacent the flange.16. The panel trim of claim 14 wherein the cover is constructed from afirst material having a first durometer, wherein the flex region isconstructed from a second material having a second durometer that isless than the first durometer.
 17. The panel trim of claim 14 whereinthe ramp is raised at an angle between about 5 degrees and about 30degrees relative to the base.
 18. The panel trim of claim 14 wherein theramp includes a ramp base, wherein the cover extends laterally outwardpast the ramp base.
 19. The panel trim of claim 14 wherein the rampincludes a panel engaging upper surface, a bottom surface opposite theupper surface, and a recess defined adjacent the bottom surface, whereina structural support element is joined with the bottom surface of theramp, the structural support extending downward from the bottom surfacea distance so that the structural support element simultaneously engagesa wall, to which the trim is joined, with the base.
 20. A method formaking panel trim, comprising: extruding a material through an extruderto form a linear, one-piece, monolithic panel trim including a basehaving a ramp, a flange joined with the base, and a cover joined withthe flange so that the cover and base cooperate to form opposing firstand second channels on opposite sides of the flange, the second channelhaving first dimensions, and forming a flex region in at least one ofthe cover and the flange adjacent the first channel, wherein the base,the base ramp, flange and cover are of a substantially uniformthickness.
 21. A panel trim adapted for installation over an edge of apanel, the panel trim comprising: a base including a ramp to accommodatepanels of different thicknesses; a flange joined with the base; a coverjoined with the flange, the cover including a cover portion spaced apartfrom the base to define a channel, the cover including at least one flexregion adjacent the flange so that the first cover portion flexes withrespect to the flange; and wherein the ramp extends upwardly toward thecover portion, increasing in height as the ramp nears the flange.